What Is the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree — In Biblical Context
Jesus told of a fig tree given one more year to bear fruit before being cut down—illustrating God's patience and the urgency of repentance.
Jesus told of a fig tree given one more year to bear fruit before being cut down—illustrating God's patience and the urgency of repentance.
"And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down." — Luke 13:8-9 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus told of a man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. For three years it produced no fruit, so he told the keeper to cut it down. The keeper asked for one more year to tend it, promising to dig around it and fertilize it. If it still bore no fruit, then it would be cut down. This parable illustrates God's patience with those who are spiritually unfruitful—He gives time for repentance and provides every opportunity for growth. But patience has a limit, and persistent fruitlessness will eventually result in judgment. It urges hearers to respond to God's grace while there is still time.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 13:8-9, sits inside Luke 13. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."
Supporting Passages
"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."
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